Officials believe the project could spur tourism and recreation to the Freeport area. Here is a look at the latest on the project:

The details

The 12.85-mile Jane Addams Trail between Freeport and Wisconsin is currently a series of unconnected pieces. Those segments - at Tutty's Crossing, along the Pecatonica River bridge and a third segment near Orangeville - will be connected via Clark Street and Adams Avenue in Freeport. From there, the trail will follow Van Buren Avenue and link to the existing trailhead north of Freeport. The total addition will be a 2.43-mile project costing $1.5 million. The federal government is paying 80 percent of the path extension. Local governments will pick up the remainder, with Stephenson County, the city and Freeport Park District each paying $100,000 and the village of Orangeville paying $50,000.

The progress

On Monday night, council members will consider a resolution that would allow Fehr Graham and Associates to conduct a preliminary site investigation, which is required to receive the grant money. From there, the project is on target for an April 25 bid letting with construction expected from June to October.

The work will be done in tandem with municipal water and sewer improvements on Clark Street and Adams Avenue, said City Engineer Shaun Gallagher. Once completed, the path will connect to the Wisconsin state line where it becomes The Badger Trail and extends 40 miles to Madison.

By the numbers

October 2014: Estimated completion date.

$1.5 million: Cost of project, to be split with 80 percent paid for in federal funds and 20 percent local.